Recently, it has become quite common to see e-commerce companies develop mobile applications along with having websites, and I started wondering whether having a mobile application is becoming something necessary or a bonus.
Some time ago, the main goal was to make the site responsive and fast for mobile users. However, today, customers’ needs seem to be evolving. Companies look for innovative methods to enhance the shopping experience, increase customer loyalty, and encourage repeat purchases.
It could be considered one of the reasons for the rapid development of mobile commerce and the emergence of apps.
To start with, those who already developed apps:
Has it increased customers’ loyalty?
Do your customers use your app?
Have there been any changes regarding sales and retention rates?
And those who don’t have an app yet:
Is it enough to have a well-optimized site?
What would make you develop an app for your business?
I would like to hear your real experiences of being a store owner or marketer. Do you consider mobile apps as something that matters for ecommerce growth or not?
Hi @stevejonasFor most small-to-mid stores, a well-optimized mobile site is enough. Apps require real ongoing investment (development, maintenance, push notification strategy) and only pay off once you have a loyal, repeat-purchase customer base — app installs are a big ask for a first-time visitor.
Apps tend to make sense when:
You have high purchase frequency (subscriptions, consumables, daily-use products)
You already have strong brand loyalty and customers actively search for you
You want to push notifications for flash sales/restocks
For most stores still growing traffic, the ROI is usually better spent on:
A fast, mobile-optimized website (Core Web Vitals, quick checkout)
Email/SMS marketing (works almost like app push notifications without needing an install)
In short: an app is a retention tool for an already-loyal audience, not a replacement for a solid mobile site. It becomes worth it once acquisition is solved and the focus shifts to retention.
And also if this will work then don’t forget to like and mark as solution on it
I think it depends on the business. For many stores, a fast, mobile-optimized website is enough, especially if most customers purchase only occasionally. But for brands with repeat customers, a mobile app can offer additional value through push notifications, faster checkout, personalized experiences, and loyalty programs.
Before investing in an app, I’d focus on optimizing the website, improving the checkout experience, and making sure tracking and analytics are accurate. Once you have consistent repeat purchases and a loyal customer base, a mobile app can be a great way to increase engagement and retention rather than just acquire new customers.
In 2026, mobile applications are definitely more common, but I still wouldn’t say this is essential for every e-commerce brand.
For many Shopify stores, a well-optimized responsive website is enough to provide a great experience. Shopify responsive theme, Shopify Pay, accelerated payment method reduce the gap between a mobile website and a native app.
I have visited most of the e-commerce Shopify Store. They don’t have a separate mobile native app for their store, as they have made their website so attractive and easy to use for everyone. Better product pages, faster loading time, clear navigation, and optimized checkout often deliver a higher return on investment than launching an app.
Personally, if I were advising a Shopify merchant, I suggest in this order:
Build a fast and mobile-responsive website.
Optimize product pages and checkout experience.
Improve customer retention through email, SMS, and loyalty programs. Instead of purchasing a $400 USD theme, you can simply install the Section Kit app from Shopify. It costs just $3 to $9 USD per section, which makes Store more light to run and more attractive, which leads to more retention than before.
Once repeat purchases become a significant part of business, evaluate whether a mobile app can make those repeat purchases even easier.
For some brands, a well-optimized Shopify storefront is all they need. For others, especially those with a loyal customer base and frequent repeat purchases, a mobile app can become a valuable long-term investment rather than just another sales channel.
I’m interested in hearing from merchants who already have an app. Has it genuinely improved customer retention and lifetime value, or do most of your customers still prefer shopping through your mobile website?
Hey there @stevejonas
From what I can tell, a mobile app isn’t a necessity for most Shopify stores, but it can become a powerful retention channel for brands with repeat customers. For early stage or infrequent purchase businesses a quick, well optimised mobile site generaly provides greater ROI than an app. Apps tend to make sense if you have a high purchase frequency, loyalty programs or push notification marketing that’s dependent on you being able to push notifications. Where we got them it’s been some lift in repurchase rates and engagement. Otherwise, prioritize site speed, checkout optimization, and email or SMS retention flows over app development investment.